A successful leader is one who attains his ends in the best possible
manner, with the least inconvenience to the team, at the minimum cost,
in record time and with a high quality performance. With modern
techniques, there are several ways of doing this but the path adopted by the
Prophet Muhammad 
is the best, for it was with the divine guidance of Allah
that he became the supreme leader of the human race. "Truly, in the
Messenger of Allah, you have an excellent example."
[33:21].
Ability
Let there become of you a nation that shall call for righteousness,
enjoin
justice and forbid evil. Such men will surely triumph.
[3:104]
Calmness
The strong man is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but
the
one who, though angry, controls himself.
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Dependability
Those who faithfully observe their trusts and their promises...are the
heirs
of Paradise; they shall abide in it forever.
[23:8]
Fairness
We gave sent our messengers with explanations and sent the scriptures
and
the scales of justice down with them, so that men may conduct
themselves
with fairness.
[57:25]
Genuineness
A person is perfect in his religion (Islam) when he leaves alone that
which
does not concern him.
[at-Tirmidhi]
Honesty
You who believe, heed God and stand by those who are truthful.
[9:119]
There are three signs of a hypocrite: when he speaks, he lies; when he
makes
a promise, he does not keep it; when he is trusted, he betrays.
[Abu Huraira narrated]
Initiative
Every magnificent and important project not begun with the praise of
Allah,
remains defective.
[abu Dawud]
Judgment
Whenever you judge between people, you should do so with fairness.
[4:58]
Knowledge
Do not be quick to recite the Qur'an before its revelation has been
accomplished, but rather say: "Lord, increase my knowledge."
[20:114]
Modesty
Now whatever ye have been given is but a passing comfort for the life
of the
world, and that which Allah hath is better and more lasting for those
who
believe and put their trust in their Lord.
[4:36]
Nobility
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female
and
made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other (not that
ye
may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of
Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full
knowledge
and is well acquainted (with all things)
[49:13]
Responsibility
Each one of you is a Guardian and responsible for those of whom he is
in
charge. The Ruler is a Guardian and thus responsible for his subjects.
A man
is the Guardian of his family and is responsible for those under his
care.
In like manner, each one of you is a guardian and is responsible for
what he
is entrusted with.
[related by Umar]
Sacrifice
Ye will not attain unto piety until ye spend of that which ye love. And
whatsoever ye spend, Allah is aware thereof.
[3:92]
Teamwork
And hold fast all together by the rope which Allah (stretches out for
you)
and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude
Allah's
favor on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love so
that
by His grace ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of
fire
and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make his signs clear to you:
that
ye may be guided.
[3:103]
Faithful believers are to each other as the bricks of a wall,
supporting and
reinforcing each other. So saying, the Prophet Muhammad clasped his
hands by
interlocking his fingers.
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Understanding
And this is a blessed Scripture which We have revealed. So follow it
and
ward off (evil), that ye may find mercy.
[6:155]
Versatility
When you see a person seeking an object earnestly, assist him to attain
his
ends. And never ask for a reward except that given by Allah.
[hadith of
Ash-Shifa]
Zeal
When three people set out on a journey, they should appoint one of them
as a
leader.
[abu Dawud]
is the best, for it was with the divine guidance of Allah
that he became the supreme leader of the human race. "Truly, in the
Messenger of Allah, you have an excellent example."